Review: Son of Saigon by David Myles Robinson

As old age sets in, many people dream of having one more adventure, launching themselves back into youthful vigor for a final exciting run. In Son of Saigon, a new novel by David Myles Robinson, this last-ditch fantasy becomes a reality for Hank Reagan, an old CIA spook that served in Vietnam. When a cherished part of his younger life comes calling, Hank has no choice but to shed the weight of age and do whatever he needs to protect those he loves.

There are many novels about soldiers and veterans reuniting with their one-time love from Korea or Vietnam in impossible fashion, and this book initially strikes the same way. The woman he left behind suddenly re-enters his life, but this is where the novel diverges from many others. Mai, Hank’s Saigon sweetheart, not only reveals that he has a child, but also that his son is missing, possibly in dire peril.

Hank and his best friend, Norm, having both recently felt the slow settling of age in their bones, leap at the chance to prove their worth, so they buy a van and hit the road. This pseudo-buddy cop thriller has an inherently dark edge, but also touches on themes that are uplifting and emotional. Camaraderie and companionship are both critical elements that hold these two central characters together, while familial bonds and loyalty to old lovers make Hank a particularly likable character.

Robinson also has a clear grasp on the history of Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and adds a wealth of colorful details to build a believable backstory for all the characters, including Mai and Danny. Similarly, the absence of Becka, Hank’s deceased wife, also informs the behavior and mindset of the protagonist, helping him become a fully developed and complex figure with whom readers can sympathize.

Combining a road trip novel with a search and rescue mission leaves plenty of room for comedy and existential examination, and while Robinson isn’t trying to emulate Pirsig or Kerouac, there are flashes of energy and madness in the writing, with brief snapshots of life on the road and bizarre portraits of the denizens of America. The search for Hank’s son takes them across the American West and beyond, and while the landscapes aren’t the focal point of the writing, Robinson does show off his flexibility in creating varied, yet engaging scenes as the investigation plays out.

The plot moves quickly, but the resolution is far from expected. When the missing son becomes more than a MacGuffin, interesting questions about family values and growing up without a father are raised. Between ancient links to dangerous cartels and big dreams of becoming a writer, Hank Jr. (Danny) is a fascinating figure that only comes into focus later in the novel, leading to a thought-provoking conclusion that will drive readers to look closer at their own relationships.

All in all, Robinson has written a clean and sharp novel that artfully touches on countless interesting themes, without the story ever feeling rushed or overstuffed with ideas. The dialogue is believable and funny, particularly between Hank and Norm, but the lightheartedness is perfectly balanced with suspense, mystery and serious dramatic moments.

A well-rounded work of character-driven fiction, Son of Saigon will surprise and inspire in a satisfying mixture of action and drama.